Chargers in contact with TE Gates

Former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates may be in line for a return to the franchise. File photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo

The Los Angeles Chargers have been in contact with Antonio Gates' representatives about the veteran tight end returning to the team.

Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said in a radio interview that he has been in touch with Gates, whose 15-year tenure with the franchise ended on May 1.

"Obviously, Antonio would be a natural fit," Telesco told San Diego station 97.3 FM, per the Los Angeles Daily News. "He's someone that we have talked to. We've talked to his representatives. Sometimes, it's not just as easy as saying, 'Hey, let's just bring him back. Let's go.'"

The Chargers had been expected to pursue Gates after tight end Hunter Henry suffered a torn ACL during organized team activities last month.

An eight-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro, Gates is the Chargers' all-time leader in receptions (927), receiving yards (11,508) and touchdowns (114), with his touchdown total an NFL record for tight ends.

Gates has caught 87 touchdown passes from Philip Rivers, the most in league history for a quarterback-tight end tandem.

He also has 21 games in his career with more than 100 receiving yards, one of only seven tight ends to achieve that feat.